Correlation analysis between forest canopy density and LANDSAT TM data based on sub-compartment objects

Abstract

Forest canopy density is an important attribute of forest. The correlation of forest canopy density with LANDSAT TM and its derivative data was discussed here. The forest resource field inventory data and simultaneous LANDSAT TM data were used here in Shimian county, Sichuan province, P.R.of China. A lot of derivative data were created from LANDSAT TM data. 1204 forest sub-compartments with inner homogeneity were used as samples for correlation analysis. It was found that both TM7 and the third principal component (P3) of LANDSAT TM data were negatively and significantly (95%) related to forest canopy density on forest sub-compartment. It was also found that TM1, TM2, TM3, TM4, TM5 and TM7 were positively and significantly (99%) related to the forest canopy density when the forest canopy density was not less than 50 percent.